Kirsten to help BCB find a new coach

BCB appoint Gary Kirsten as consultant

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed former India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten as a consultant to help them find a new coach. The Tigers have played two tri-nation series and a bilateral series since their former head coach Chandika Hathurusingha left the post to take over the same role with Sri Lanka, in November last year.

Kirsten is currently working as a batting coach for IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore. The expected to arrive in Dhaka after the IPL, where he is the batting coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and go through the candidates for the next Bangladesh coach.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon said that they had nearly signed a new head coach, who later backed out citing family reasons. Moreover, the BCB president felt it necessary to consult with an expert before deciding on a head coach.

“We nearly finalized someone but in the last minute he said that his family wasn’t agreeing with the move. So we cannot say anything until someone is here.

“It is impossible to have a head coach before the Afghanistan series. But we are hopeful that we will have appointed someone before the West Indies series.

“We felt that it is best to consult with an expert before deciding on a coach. You will get to know something important by this month. Kirsten wants to know what type of coach we are seeking. He has already started working for us,” said Nazmul Hasan.

The 53-year-old has also confirmed that it is impossible to hire someone before Afghanistan series, but a permanent head coach is expected to be roped in before Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies. Bangladesh bowling coach Courtney Walsh is expected to continue his role as interim coach till then.

Gary Kirsten has been assessing the kind of coach Bangladesh needs. BCB has shortlisted three coaches from Australia, England, and South Africa. The 50-year-old also has shortlisted a number of coaches and boht parties will later decide on the suitable candidate to take over the role.

“Kirsten is working out with few probable [head coach] candidates and trying to find out a suitable one that would serve our purpose,” Hasan reportedly said. “He is interviewing the players and coaching staff to know what kind of coach we need and also talking with us [about the development].

“He will give his proposal and also will come up with a presentation after having a look at the list of coaches. Later, we will finalize who we believe will be better for us.

“All the three coaches that are included in our shortlist are willing to work full time and now we need to decide whom to pick eventually,” he added.

BCB hinted that the consultant post will not hamper Kirsten's current assignments with the T20 franchises like RCB and Big Bash side, Hobart Hurricanes.